10 Good reasons to travel to Northern Cyprus. The famous general of the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, Marcus Antonius, presented the island of Cyprus as a sign of love for the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. Today, the island is one of the most beautiful routes for those who look forward to writing. You can take the road to Cyprus for a short break in chaotic city life or a romantic holiday. Maybe there is no August sun this season, but the Mediterranean spirit will definitely discharge you.
1- Explore the beaches
North Cyprus is very rich in natural beauty. There are many spawning areas on the beaches of the island, which is the breeding ground of Caretta Caretta and Chelonia Mydas (green sea turtle) turtles, but the spring months are not breeding season. I definitely recommend you to take Bafra to your program to discover the most beautiful beaches of the island. Apostolos Andreas Monastery, Kanakaria Church, Ayia Trias Basilica, Kantara Castle, Philon Church, Pier Icon Museum and royal tombs are among the important historical monuments in the region.
2- See the caves
The region fascinates nature with its beautiful caves. The enthusiasts should not miss the Güvercinlik Cave, which you need to climb the mountain to reach, the Hot Cave with warm weather, the İncirli Cave in Famagusta, the Man-made Gastro Cave, and the Execution Cave in Kaleburnu Village.
3- Meet Bellapais village
Bellapais (Beylerbeyi) village, which is only 5 kilometers away from Kyrenia, is one of the most touristic spots of the island. Bellapais Monastery, whose name comes from the Peace Monastery in French, is a magnificent building. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful examples of gothic architecture not only in Northern Cyprus but also in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Mediterranean stretches underneath as well as the eye. The part of the monastery that has survived to date has been built by the third king of France, Hugh. It was allocated to Orthodox Greeks so that they could worship Cyprus when the Ottoman took it. There are sarcophagi from the Roman period in the courtyard. It is known that sarcophagi were used as sinks by monks for a while.
4- Go to the Sleeping Beauty’s home
It is 10 kilometers from Kyrenia. You meet the legend of Hilarion Castle before the castle. It is reached with 480 steps that give the person the feeling that “I think I am climbing to the sky” and the castle is told to inspire the fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty” which we all know very well.
However, the reason for its construction is far from a fairy tale romance. Just like Buffavento and Kantara castles. Hilarion was also built to protect the island from the Arabs. It takes its name from a saint. The view from 732 meters’ ‘Window of the Queen’ is simply fascinating. At its summit is the Prince John Tower. It is also possible to see how life was during the knights, thanks to the animations in the castle.
5- Tour in the port area
Situated between the Beşparmak Mountains and the coast, Girne, with its 2000-year history, is the cutest city in Northern Cyprus and is completely Mediterranean. With its horseshoe-shaped harbor that gives its back to Kyrenia Castle and its old structures used as a cafe, restaurant or hotel, it is ready to settle. Girne Castle is the place where you can watch the harbor view in the best way. The 2300 year old shipwreck in the castle is the second oldest shipwreck in the Mediterranean.
6- Get the peace of timelessness
Another important address close to Kyrenia is Karmi. They said Karaman to make his name Turkish. It is one of my favorite places in Cyprus due to its modest beauty. With its side streets, houses with a fine architectural taste, the village square and its small church there, a sense of peace prevails in every corner. It is as if this village is bypassed as time passes… If you want to enjoy the day and time without focusing on the clock and enjoy the beautiful views, do not return without seeing Karmi.
7- Reach towards Güzelyurt
There are Yavuz Freedom Monument and “Escape”, one of the most famous public beaches of the island, on the shores of which was built in 1974, 8 kilometers from Kyrenia. Güzelyurt, 50 kilometers from Kyrenia, is the citrus store of Northern Cyprus. You will see dozens of buffets full of oranges and tangerines along the way. Stop at one and buy yourself a fresh ‘Vitamin C’. Güzelyurt church Add Mamas to your program as one of the important historical monuments.
8- Greet with the blue of Karpaz
Cyprus means blue! Karpaz, one of the most beautiful addresses of that blue, is on the northernmost tip of the island. Altinkum Beach is very popular here and it is one of my favorites. Of course not without visiting the village of Dipkarpaz. You can have a conversation with the villagers while breathing in the stone coffee center in the center. This is where you can see the Cyprus donkeys famous for their beauty.
9- Look at the island from the kitchen
The cuisine of Northern Cyprus, which synthesizes Eastern and Western flavors, has been influenced by different cultures throughout history. Hummus, bacon, yoghurt, fava and fresh almonds are at the top of the appetizers. Paste, baking layer, samsı, kadayıf, paluze and bagel halva are among the desserts to be tried. For dining, I recommend Bellapais Gardens, The House, Archway, China Blue / Cratos, Hürdeniz Balık, Develi Kaya Palazzo Girne and Old Candlestick / Nicosia.
10- Travel to Nicosia
Nicosia inside the walls is right in the middle of the island. Lusignan bears the traces of Venice, Ottoman and English. The city walls are one of them and there are 11 signs bearing the names of Venetian commanders. The 68-room Büyük Han, the first and most important Ottoman work on the island, is another must-see address. Make sure you take a coffee break here. Arabahmet and Samanbahçe neighborhoods, where there are typical Nicosia houses, are also suitable for observing daily life.
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